WATERTOWN, New York (WWNY) – We have exclusive information to report as Watertown lawmakers are being asked to consider lifting the deed restriction on Ives Hill Country Club.
Owner Jake Johnson tells 7 News he can strengthen his golf course and bring more people to the city if he were able to run an 18-hole course.
The deed restriction was part of the deal when the city bought the golf course in Thompson Park from Mike Lundy for $3.4 million in 2023.
Then-owner of Ives, PJ Simao, was compensated for the deed restriction. Depending on who you ask, that payment was $850,000 or $1.7 million.
But Johnson wasn’t part of that deal and says he is just exploring the idea with city leaders, saying Ives is doing great, but he wants to be able to consider an 18-hole course, which would bring more golfers back to the city and more tournaments.
He hopes to find cooperation with city leaders as he continues to invest in his business. He stresses there’s no deal in place, and he is exploring the idea.
To expand, Johnson would buy the land of the other 9 holes from Simao.
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